Shelf Stable Foods
How long does dried fruit last in the pantry?
An unopened bag of dried fruit keeps 6 months in the pantry and USDA cuts that to 1 month once the bag is open — move it to the fridge and you’re back to 6 months.
Pantry, from purchase
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 6 months |
|---|---|
| Pantry, opened | 1 month |
| Fridge, opened | 6 months |
Can it sit out?
Dried fruit is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.
How to tell if dried fruit has gone bad
- White fuzz or dark spots standing proud of the surface
- A fermented, boozy smell when the bag opens
- Pieces cemented into one wet mass with moisture inside the bag
- Fruit gone glassy and rock-hard instead of pliable
When in doubt, throw it out.
The fine white dust on old raisins is fruit sugar crystallising out, not mold — mold sits up off the surface and comes with a smell.
Quick answers
How long does dried fruit last in the pantry?
An unopened bag of dried fruit keeps 6 months in the pantry and USDA cuts that to 1 month once the bag is open — move it to the fridge and you’re back to 6 months.
How long can dried fruit sit out?
Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for dried fruit — storage time is.